Dot Employee Wants Bosses Held Accountable In Inquiry

June 20, 1996|By ANGELA BRADBERY Staff Writer

"Congratulations, Mr. Widdoss" reads a commendation letter to David Jay Widdoss, the Florida Department of Transportation appraiser now accused of a multitude of misdeeds, including the unauthorized ordering of supplies.

"Your extra efforts as the Appraisal Department's `unofficial' local purchasing agent for appraisal supplies and resources, makes a difference."

The letter was dated Sept. 24, 1993 and was signed by Rick Chesser, who oversees the DOT district that includes Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Widdoss produced the letter on Wednesday at a hearing where he argued against being fired. Among other things, Widdoss is accused of improperly ordering thousands of dollars of supplies and tools, which officials say have disappeared.

Widdoss insisted he gave the items to workers in other departments. The commendation, Widdoss said, shows that his bosses knew what he was doing.

Widdoss' attorney, Harry Winderman, said, "We're not about to be their scapegoat for their inefficiencies."

Chesser said he doesn't remember the commendation, one of many that flow through his office annually. The manager who recommended it died last year of a heart attack.

Both Chesser and James Wolfe, a high-level manager who oversees Widdoss' department, said the commendation proves nothing and doesn't change the fact that Widdoss broke a lot of rules.

"I don't believe that because managers knew he was purchasing routine office supplies, that that excuses him from purchasing power tools, wrenches and items that are not needed in the workplace," Wolfe said.

Wolfe said Widdoss "is just trying to deflect attention from what he's done."

The accusations stem from a DOT inspector general's investigation that is continuing. One employee has been fired and another has resigned.

Widdoss has denied most of the charges and said investigators made errors. He argued on Wednesday that managers should share some blame.